Bush: I believe that the president has a responsibility to confront the problem of illegal drug abuse because drugs are destroying our neighborhoods and ruining lives. We should confront this scourge with a balanced policy of education, treatment and law enforcement (see this issue page on my Web site). We must teach children that using drugs is bad and will lead to a life of self-destruction.

I understand that we live in a culture with a lot of temptations and a lot of challenges for kids and parents. Government can't solve the problems of our country, but it can be an ally of parents. It can reflect, not undermine, the ideals of parents. Government can give parents practical tools to raise responsible children.

Gore: We ought to put more emphasis on drug prevention and education. Although we must maintain strong laws and enforcement, there are things we can do to eliminate drug use that go beyond simple prohibition and prosecution. We need to send a strong message to every American child: Drugs are wrong, and drugs can kill you.

We have seen impressive evidence suggesting that we are making progress in the war on drugs. We have increased drug arrests by 46 percent and seen a nearly 50 percent drop in drug use since 1979. Adult drug use is down 39 percent since 1992, and use among young people has been cut by nearly a quarter over the last few years.

5. What reason do you see to continue the embargo against Cuba, evidence that this is a strong foreign policy instrument and what threat does Cuba currently pose to the U.S.? -- J. Franklin

Bush: I believe we should keep the embargo in place until freedoms are in place. I don't trust Fidel Castro. Castro is repressive. He subjugates the Cuban people to poverty. I believe America should continue to press on him until there are free prisoners, free speech and free institutions.

Gore: The embargo against Cuba is an important part of our policy of isolating and weakening the Castro regime. Fidel Castro has shown no signs that he is willing to move toward democracy. His brutal repression continues to threaten the safety and security of his own people, and he insists on holding on to the last dictatorship in the Western Hemisphere.

6. The institution of marriage confers upon its participants civil and legal rights that heterosexual citizens take for granted, such as immigration rights, hospital visitation rights and interstate inheritance. The question is this: Do you support these rights for same-sex couples, and if so, what measures do you think are appropriate to assure their protection? -- Edward H.

Bush: I oppose gay marriage. I believe that marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman.

Gore: Let me be clear, Edward. I support traditional marriage, and I support equal protections for gays and lesbians.

My opponent doesn't support equal protections. When he was asked about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) during the second debate, he said and I quote, "Well, I have no idea." I do support ENDA and am proud to have been a part of the administration that has appointed more openly gay and lesbian individuals to all levels of government than any in history.

My opponent doesn't support expanding hate crimes legislation to protect gays and lesbians. He opposed a state level bill as governor of Texas. I will continue to fight for stronger laws that protect all Americans from vicious crimes of hate.

Salon News A Salon-eye view of the day's news, with investigative reports, analysis and interviews with newsmakers.